Internet Crime

The Earl of Northesk: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they will take to protect financial and online retailing enterprises from "phishing" attacks.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The process of educating and protecting the public against fraudulent schemes such as "phishing" is a responsibility which is shared by government, law enforcement and industry.
	In October 2003 the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU), APACS (the Association for Payment Clearing Services) and the BBA (British Bankers' Association) issued a checklist for UK consumers to help to protect themselves against the Internet fraudster.
	The Home Office has also recently launched a website to combat fruad over the Internet. The "e-tailing mini site" forms part of the crime reduction website and provides advice on information security for businesses.
	Where individuals fall victim to these scams, law enforcement will seek to trace those behind these schemes and either bring forward prosecutions or share information and intelligence with overseas law enforcement.

Serious Organised Crime Agency

Lord Avebury: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the work of the Metropolitan Police CO14 Clubs and Vice Branch is to be subsumed within the proposed new United Kingdom-wide Serious Organised Crime Agency.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: There are no plans for the agency to subsume any parts of the Metropolitan Police.

War Widows' Pension

Baroness Strange: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will withdraw the war widows' pension for those who become widowed after April 2005.

Lord Bach: The new compensation scheme will be introduced on 6 April 2005 for all Service personnel whose injury, illness or death due to service was caused on or after that date. This will replace the current War Pensions Scheme and Armed Forces Pension Scheme attributable benefits. If the event that led to a death that was attributable to service occurred before 6 April 2005, then benefits would be paid under the current attributable compensation arrangements, even if the death occurs after the new scheme has been introduced. We recognise there may be cases where a death cannot be attributed to a single event in time and where, therefore, a judgment will be required on the appropriate compensation arrangement. We will be developing guidelines to inform such judgments. In particular, we will ensure that no claims fall between the new and old schemes.

A-level Chemistry

Lord Colwyn: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many students applied to study A-level chemistry last year; and what they are doing to promote an increased take-up of chemistry as a GCSE and A-level subject.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: The total number of GCE A-level chemistry examination results for students in schools and colleges in 2003 was 32,319.
	We are committed to improving science teaching and learning in schools to encourage more young people to study science subjects post-16 and making sure that all young people understand the relevance and importance of science to the world around them. We have a £51 million partnership with the Wellcome Trust to set up a national network of science learning centres to provide training for science teachers and science technicians. The science strand of the key stage 3 strategy aims to improve the quality of learning and teaching in the classroom by investing in teachers' professional development, promoting approaches to science teaching and learning that engage and motivate students.
	The QCA has reviewed the programme of study for science at key stage 4 to ensure we are providing a core of science learning that is relevant to all students. A new GCSE, Science in the 21st Century, is currently being piloted. In 2002, we introduced a GCSE in applied science.

Vitamins and Minerals

Earl Howe: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What information they have about the data considered by the European Food Safety Authority when reviewing the safe intake of vitamins and minerals; and whether such data included:
	(a) similar analyses undertaken by the United Kingdom Ad Hoc Expert Advisory Group on Vitamins and Minerals; and
	(b) the report of the United States Food and Nutrition Board.

Lord Warner: The European Food Safety Authority's panel on dietetic products, nutrition and allergies is continuing the review of safe intakes of vitamins and minerals started by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Food in 1998. Both groups have had access to all relevant published scientific data.
	The panel has been provided with a copy of the report of the United Kingdom Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM) and the reviews and risk assessments prepared by the EVM. It also has access to the reports of the United States Food and Nutrition Board and other relevant opinions.

Food Supplements Directive

Earl Howe: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How they account for the delay in the meeting between the Minister for Public Health and European Commissioner Byrne to discuss the setting of maximum permitted levels for nutrients under the provisions of the Food Supplements Directive; when they now expect a meeting to take place; and what objectives they intend to pursue at the meeting.

Lord Warner: Following a meeting with industry representatives to discuss their concerns about the Food Supplements Directive on 7 October 2003 the Minister for Public Health has been actively seeking to discuss the setting of European Commission maximum permitted levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements with Commissioner Byrne. The Minister for Public Health has arranged to have a telephone discussion with Commissioner Byrne on 12 March with a view to setting up a meeting as soon as is practicable after that.
	The purpose of the discussion will be to press the United Kingdom's view that when in due course an EC proposal for maximum levels is developed it should be based on scientific risk assessments and should not unnecessarily restrict consumer choice.

Food Labelling

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How country of origin labelling for beef and fish products differs from that for other meat and foodstuffs under European Union regulations; and
	Whether they support country of origin labelling for all meat, poultry and fish products; and what discussions they have had with the European Commission on changes to European Union regulations to allow such labelling.

Lord Warner: Under current European Union legislation, country of origin labelling is mandatory for beef, veal, fish and shellfish, for both pre-packed and loose products. Wine and certain fresh fruit and vegetables are also required to indicate country of origin. For other foodstuffs, rules state that country of origin must be given if failure to give it might mislead a purchaser to a material degree about its true origin. These rules are supported by detailed guidance to industry and enforcement authorities.
	The Government support the requirement for country of origin labelling on meat and are pressing for more country of origin information on meat and certain meat products at EU level. The Commission is planning to review food labelling, with country of origin identified as one of the key issues. All member states, including the United Kingdom, have welcomed this initiative.

Food Labelling

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What systems they have in place to ensure that Regulation (EC) No 2065/2001, as regards the labelling of fishery and aquaculture products, is enforced across the United Kingdom.

Lord Warner: Enforcement of such labelling requirements is the responsibility of local authorities. The Food Standards Agency has the responsibility to ensure that enforcement is carried out in an efficient and consistent way. Fish Labelling Regulations 2003 in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland provide for enforcement of Commission Regulation 2065/2001/EC. In addition, the agency has published comprehensive guidance on its website to help enforcement bodies, consumers and businesses to become familiar with the new rules and guide local authorities on a consistent approach to enforcement.

Food Labelling

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they support the labelling of colourants used in aquaculture, such as canthaxanthin, the labelling of which is obligatory in the United States; and, if so, whether they will ensure this information is forthcoming for United Kingdom consumers.

Lord Warner: The Government support the labelling of colourants used in aquaculture, such as canthaxanthin, and have pressed successfully in Brussels for agreement to such labelling of fish from aquaculture. Negotiations are ongoing on the scope and most appropriate approach to achieve this requirement.

NHS: National Plan for Information Technology

The Earl of Northesk: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In light of the recent survey of doctors by Medix, whether it is satisfactory that 86 per cent of respondents said that consultation with them about the NHS National Plan for information technology had been non-existent or inadequate; and
	Whether the NHS National Plan for information technology, in so far as it may have failed to engage key stakeholders effectively in its development, is in breach of current minimum criteria introduced to attempt to avert failure of government information technology projects.

Lord Warner: The results of the Medix survey show the importance of engaging the active support of practising clinicians. It is encouraging therefore that the same survey also shows a substantial level of support for the national programme. The great majority of respondents recognised the programme as an important priority for the National Health Service, and there was also strong support for improving investment in information technology for the NHS through the NPfIT.
	As well as the national professional bodies and groups, the national programme team has engaged closely with expert primary care practitioners, including practising general practitioners, who are there to represent and feedback issues with their professional colleagues. As we move towards implementation of the national applications, systems and services the five regional implementation directors have undertaken extensive consultation with a range of NHS clinicians and managers. This is to ensure that as many people as possible are now engaged on the local plans to prepare for phased roll-out from April 2004.

NHS: Infertility Services

Earl Howe: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Department of Health will set national eligibility criteria for access to infertility services once the standard of those services has been set by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence; and
	Which body, or bodies, will be responsible for ensuring that the forthcoming National Institute for Clinical Excellence clinical guidelines for assessing and treating people with fertility problems are implemented fully across the country; and
	Whether it is their policy that National Health Service-funded infertility treatment should be carried out within a service that offers a full range of evidence-based investigations and treatments, in order to provide couples with the most appropriate treatment for their needs and to reduce wastage from inappropriate procedures.

Lord Warner: We welcome the guideline on National Health Service fertility services in England and Wales that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) published on 25 February 2004. The guideline's recommendations on the assessment and treatment of couples are based on considerations of clinical and cost effectiveness. In order to move towards implementation of the guideline, and to introduce a national minimum level of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) service across the country, we have asked all primary care trusts to offer at least one cycle of IVF to all those eligible by April next year. We have also asked that priority be given to couples who do not have any children living with them.
	Although we recognise, as does NICE, that the NHS cannot reasonably be expected to implement the guideline in full overnight, we expect the NHS to make progress to full implementation in the longer term.
	The Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection will inspect NHS service provision using criteria it develops which take into account the Secretary of State's statement of healthcare standards, which are currently open to public consultation. These draft standards currently propose that NHS treatment and care should be based upon nationally agreed best practice and guidance, including that issued by NICE.

Dental Workforce Review

Lord Colwyn: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When they plan to publish the dentistry workforce review; and why publication has been delayed.

Lord Warner: Ministers are considering the primary care dental workforce review. It will be published shortly.

Licensing Act 2003: Ambulance Call-outs

Lord Avebury: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, in monitoring the impact of the Licensing Act 2003 at a local level, they have statistics of ambulance call-outs relating to:
	(a) incidents occurring on or in the vicinity of licensed premises;
	(b) violent crimes reported following incidents occurring in such places; and
	(c) patients suffering from injuries requiring treatment at accident and emergency departments following incidents occurring in such places.

Lord Warner: This information requested is not collected centrally.
	Information about performance of ambulance trusts is published annually in a statistical bulletin. Latest data are in Ambulance Services, England 2002–03, copies of which are available in the Library.
	The statistical bulletin collects information about all emergency calls, without distinguishing the nature of the incident that occasioned it.

Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body

Lord Colwyn: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When they expect to announce the findings of the latest Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body pay review.

Lord Warner: We expect to announce the findings shortly.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital: Gynaecology Services

Baroness Masham of Ilton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Why there is such a complicated booking system for patients and long waiting times for appointments for the gynaecology department of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

Lord Warner: The gynaecology department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital currently operates a system called partial booking. Partial booking is an interim step on the way towards full booking. Full booking is where the patient can choose a convenient date at the point of referral. In specialties where waiting times are long, partial booking allows the patient to choose a date that is convenient for them nearer to the time of their expected appointment, usually around four to eight weeks in advance. This process also has the effect of reducing the number of DNAs (did not attend) as patients are more likely to keep their appointment.
	We are informed by Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trusts that its partial booking system started in the gynaecology department in August 2000 and has reduced the DNA rate from 19 per cent to 10 per cent. The trust also assures me that the gynaecology department is working to reduce long waits and ensure that, in line with our expectations, no patient is waiting longer than 17 weeks for a first outpatient appointment by the end of March this year.

Health Professions Council: Surgical Practitioners

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What support they are giving to the National Association of Assistants in Surgical Practice in seeking registration by the Health Professions Council; and
	By what date they expect surgical practitioners to be registered by the Health Professions Council.

Lord Warner: Statutory regulation requires the existence of an established role and accredited training. Without this it is impossible to set standards of practice and training which statutory regulation requires practitioners to meet in law.
	The Department of Health and the NHS changing workforce programme within the Modernisation Agency are working with the National Association of Assistants in Surgical Practice together with the Royal College of Surgeons and the NHSU to develop training for this new role. The changing workforce programme and the National Association of Assistants in Surgical Practice have been in dialogue about this project on an ongoing basis since it began in February 2003.
	Since February 2003, approximately £1.2 million has been invested in progressing the development of the role and informing the training programme to ensure the long-term sustainability of this role. If such training becomes available from September 2004, it may be possible for the Health Professions Council (HPC) to regulate surgical practitioners, who have qualified, from autumn 2006.

EU: Medical Qualifications in New Member States

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the European Commission will be able to confirm that all the new member states are compliant with the minimum training requirements for doctors, nurses and dentists as set out by European directives.

Lord Warner: All accession states are committed to ensuring that the qualifications they award to doctors, nurses responsible for general care and dentists who begin their training on or after the date of accession meet specified minimum requirements. It is for the European Commission, which is closely monitoring their progress, to see that these obligations are met. They intend to update member states shortly.

Olympic Games 2012: London Bid

Lord Pendry: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is being done to ensure that the right coaching opportunities exist in the United Kingdom to deliver a successful Olympic Games in 2012.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: In response to the Cunningham review on elite sport, UK Sport has developed a world class coaching strategy, addressing the future of the coaching of elite performers in the United Kingdom. The strategy is designed for British coaches currently in the world class performance programmes; personal coaches; coaches of elite performers and to capture emerging world class coaching talent.
	The emphasis is on a more targeted, focused and supported programme of special opportunities that will accelerate and enhance development. The United Kingdom's sustainable competitive advantage for the future will be the ability to learn faster than the opposition.
	Five key discrete and integrated professional and personal development opportunities have been established by UK Sport to develop the skills and deliver the experiences coaches need to work with elite performers. They are: the World Class Coaching Conference; Coaching the Plan; Winning Coaches; Elite Coach and a focus group.
	The World Class Coaching Conference is designed to raise the standard of British elite coaches to improve performance. Coaching the Plan is a series of small group interactive planning workshops which combine the art of coaching and the science of coaching in a performance-focused and applied environment. Winning Coaches is a series of small group workshops to prepare coaches and their athletes for major events.
	Elite Coach is a formal development programme to secure the future of elite coaching. It is for the very best emerging coaches who demonstrate the talent, dedication and determination to succeed and produce outstanding performances. Finally, the focus group which is for 5–6 of the best coaches in British sport aims to provide leadership and support and add value to coaches, athletes and support staff working in performance.

Olympic Games 2012: London Bid

Lord Jopling: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether those responsible for the London Olympic Bid for 2012 are aware of the total cost to public funds of running each of the last three Olympic Games; and how much of that cost came from (a) public funds; (b) local taxation; (c) lottery funds; and (d) private sources.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: London 2012 Ltd, the company established to take forward the Olympic bid, is drawing on a wide range of costing data, including information about the Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney Olympic Games. Comparisons across Olympic Games are difficult, as some Games incorporate infrastructure costs in their Olympic expenditure and others do not. DCMS estimates the costs and major revenue sources for these Games, based upon published data, are as follows:
	
		Host city, date, costs and contributions(1)
		
			   Contributions from: 
			  Cost (£ million in 2002 prices) City Local/ National State Government National Lotteries/ Coins/ Stamps(2) OCOG Private sources(3) 
			 Barcelona 1992 8,057 9% 31% 2% 58% 
			 Atlanta 1996 1,481 6% 9%  85% 
			 Sydney 2000 2,534  34% 1% 65% 
		
	
	(1) The comparisons are approximate. Some Games have incorporated infrastructure costs in their Olympic expenditure and others have not. Exchange rates and purchasing price parity issues also apply, eg at London prices the Sydney Games would have cost about £3,248 million.
	(2) Regarded as public funding but normally included in OCOG revenues.
	(3) This includes OCOG revenues such as ticketing, sponsorship and TV rights.

Yorkshire Dales: Railway Tickets

Lord Greaves: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Strategic Rail Authority has instructed Arriva trains to end the practice of issuing tickets that allowed day visitors to the Yorkshire Dales National Park to travel to a station on the Skipton-Carnforth line and to return from a different station on the Settle and Carlisle line (or vice versa) having walked between the two; if so, why has this facility been removed; and whether it accords with government policy on encouraging visitors to the national park to travel by public transport.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The Strategic Rail Authority has not issued such an instruction. A "North Country Rover" ticket exists, permitting travel on both routes. We are not aware of any plans to alter its scope.

Special Advisers

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the total annual public expenditure on special advisers; and what salaries are paid to each of them.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: I refer the noble Lord to the reply given by my late noble and learned friend, Lord Williams of Mostyn on 16 July last year (col. WA 119). Figures for the 2003–04 financial year will be published in due course. Salaries of individual advisers are not published so as to protect the privacy of the individual.

Ministers' E-mail Addresses

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will ask all Ministers to put their e-mail addresses on their letter headings; and whether the Cabinet Office will include Ministers' e-mail addresses, or those of their private secretaries, in the Cabinet Office List of Ministerial Responsibilities, and on their departmental websites.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: It is for the individual departments to determine their own arrangements on the providing of e-mail addresses on their letter headings and departmental websites.
	The Cabinet Office will consult departments about the inclusion of Ministers' e-mail addresses for the next edition of the List of Ministerial Responsibilities.